The Best of Both Worlds

December 11, 2024 | Hannah Buchanan

UT Tyler Reading Buddies Program

Thanks to a partnership between the UT Tyler School of Education and University Academy, UT Tyler reading education majors gain valuable experience by helping K-5 students in their own backyard. Learn more about the collaboration.

The UT Tyler Reading Buddies Program will celebrate 10 years in operation next year, and the program is stronger than ever. Thanks to a partnership between the UT Tyler School of Education and University Academy, UT Tyler reading education majors gain valuable experience by helping K-5 students in their own backyard at the UA–Tyler campus.

The program serves the best of both worlds, where clinical teachers and students learn and thrive together, according to Dr. Jo Ann Simmons, UA superintendent.

“The Reading Buddies Program is a powerful example of mutual growth,” said Simmons. “As clinical teachers apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings, they gain invaluable hands-on experience, while our students benefit from personalized support and mentorship. This collaborative learning environment fosters a deeper understanding for both groups, making it a vital part of their educational journey.”

UT Tyler Phase II pre-service education students enrolled in the Literacy Assessment and Instruction II course are the tutors – or reading buddies – who meet with their assigned UA scholar twice a week. The required course incorporates specific standards for the preparation of reading professionals while introducing students to the development of literacy in young children from birth through Grade 5. 

UT Tyler students also learn about the theories of early literacy development as well as research and effective instruction practices that shape how teachers and others have approached their work with young children.

During the past nine years, the pre-service college students enrolled in the course – an average of 20 students per semester – have tutored roughly 360 primary students at University Academy. In one semester, each of the primary students receive 20 hours of intensive literacy instruction in addition to the literacy instruction in their homeroom classrooms. Tutors teach the same student throughout the semester to build a trusting, learning relationship. Additionally, UA teachers provide key assessment and student information to maximize effective lesson planning.

“This course is designed to afford the student opportunity to implement the skills of assessment, instruction and evaluation in a tutorial setting that utilizes a peer coaching model,” said Dr. Joanna Neel, an associate professor of literacy education at UT Tyler and the brainchild of the program. “Upon successful completion, teacher candidates apply the knowledge gained about the development of literacy in young children to develop, implement and evaluate literacy instruction in EC-6 settings.”

Tutorial lesson plans incorporate alphabetic knowledge, reading comprehension, intensive phonemic awareness and phonics instruction. English language proficiency standards are also integrated as needed. Tutors complete a detailed reflection for each lesson, recording key observations about their scholar’s progress and what is needed to maximize instruction. Sustaining a learning initiative over time is difficult, as Neels noted, but all stakeholders have learned to remain flexible.

“Scheduling and adapting lesson plans to reflect new state guidelines have been a challenge, but we have found solutions that we’re all proud of,” Neel added. “It is a privilege to see pre-service educators plan and teach detailed literacy lesson plans to the scholars at the University Academy.”

Neel recently received a 2024 UA Charter Champion Award. The honor annually recognizes exemplary work and dedication benefiting the charter school.

“Dr. Joanna Neel’s leadership in the Reading Buddies Program exemplifies the power of education in action. By guiding clinical teachers to apply the skills learned in her class, she not only enhances their teaching experience but also provides invaluable support to our students at University Academy,” Simmons added. “Her dedication to shaping future educators and enriching young minds makes her truly deserving of the Charter Champion Award.”